THE live music scene in Salisbury has suffered a bitter blow with the announcement that Conrans Irish Bar, which hosts one of the biggest open mic nights in the region, is due to close.

The open mic nights, run by the not-for-profit organisation Music4Fun, are attended by around 100 people every month.

It has been at Conrans for eight years and organiser Yan Webber has said that he is looking at alternative venues.

He said: “It is a setback for live music in Salisbury.

“It was one of the most popular open mic nights in the south-west.

“People came from all over the south to attend and it is one of the biggest open mic nights in the region.

“Any new offers of any kind will not be turned down at this stage and we would like to find a new home.

“Music4Fun will carry on some way, somehow.”

People reacted on social media with sadness at the closure of the pub that was run by Tony and Sue Conran.

Gary Sarum said: “Another great little pub which had a good following, both for its beer and its music.

“Not sure how many of the smaller places will survive 2015.”

Suzie Whitton said: “Tony and Sue have been brilliant. Hosted quiz nights for us, held our work Xmas do and have been an excellent landlord and lady.

“What a terrible shame.

“But people have to choose to frequent these places and not sit at home with cheap Tesco beer.

“It’s so much better for society if we mingle and communicate in a great atmosphere.

“It’s not about getting drunk all the time. It’s social interaction.”

Dave Humphreys said: “Until HMRC and the government agree to reduce the duty on alcohol this is going to become a common occurrence.

“It’s heartbreaking, my heart goes out to Tony and Sue.”

If anybody has a venue that they feel could host the open mic night, Yan Webber can be contacted on 07766 838283.